Narragansett High student allegedly threatened to kill other students

TEMPLETON 
A Narragansett Regional High School student is being held without bail after he allegedly posted threatening messages to another student on Facebook. The student referenced the shootings in Newtown, Conn., police said.

Branden Pierce, 18, of Templeton, is charged with crimes against public peace, threatening to commit a crime and causing a school disturbance. The charges were issued after school officials and police received a complaint about the Facebook posting, according to Templeton police.

Police learned of the alleged threats Tuesday from High School Principal Shawn Rickan who contacted Police Officer Steven Flis, the school resource officer, requesti9ng that charges be brought against Mr. Pierce.

In a letter to Office Flis, Mr. Rickan wrote that after several students expressed displeasure with postings by Mr. Pierce about the Newtown shootings and Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trace Center, he made threats against the students.

“Branden posted some very threatening comments,” Mr. Rickan wrote.

“Specifically he threatened to kill other students by stating, 'I will wipe you the (expletive) out,' and 'I can kill you in over 700 ways.'”

Mr. Rickan said several students came to him saying they were aware of the Facebook messages and were afraid to go to school.

“He did say he has a sick sense of humor. His comments are extremely disturbing and as a principal I am afraid to have this student in school,” he wrote.

In copies of the Facebook postings included with court documents, Mr. Pierce called one student several vulgar names and bragged that he graduated the top of his class in the Navy Seals, was involved in numerous secret raids on al Qaida, and has 300 confirmed kills.

He added that he was the top sniper in the U.S. armed forces.

“I will wipe you the (expletive) out with precision the likes of which has never been seen on this Earth. Mark my (expletive) words.”

Mr. Pierce then allegedly told her his “secret network of spies” would be tracing her internet protocol address.

“Better prepare for the (expletive) dead. I can be anywhere, any time,” he also allegedly wrote.

Mr. Pierce also wrote to the student, “I will (expletive) fury all over you and you will drown in it. You're (expletive) dead kiddo.”

An investigation included a search of Mr. Pierce's bedroom.

No evidence was seized, police said.

Mr. Pierce was arrested at the high school and taken to Winchendon District Court, where he was ordered held without bail.